With the summer (kind of) progressing the Ritchey TrailMasters powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport, due to take place on August 17-19, is edging closer, and will combine marathon-style long distance rides with timed enduro stages in a format similar to TransWales, but only a long weekend long.

TrailMasters is a three-day cross-country enduro event which features more than 220km of riding, including more than 7,000m of climbing and six special stages. The TrailMasters combines linking stages (untimed long distance rides) with special stages – off-road time trials. You can read our full Trailmasters preview, plus why we think it’s the most exciting event this summer, here.

TrailMasters, to be held in the Welsh mountain biking mecca of Llanwrtyd Wells, was originally only open to solo riders and teams of three but, due to popular demand, a pairs category have now been added to the line-up.

All three categories are available as open (for riders aged 18 upwards – average age below 40 years) and vets (for riders aged 18 upwards – average age above 40 years) sub-categories.

The main difference between the three categories is the way they are timed in the special stages. While solo riders get scored on their individual time, pairs get scored on the average time of the two riders and teams of three get scored on the average time of the two fastest riders, meaning a mechanical or one bad run isn’t going to ruin your overall time, plus you can play to the strengths or weaknesses of your team partners.

For more information on the race format or to enter, head to www.trailmasters.cc